Best Multimeters of 2019 | Buying Guide

Best Multimeters

Home and auto issues can be complicated, requiring more than just a small fix. When your working on these issues it may require the use of equipment that can calculate things such as frequency, voltage, and resistance. If you have a multimeter around the house you will be better prepared to do work around the home on your own. Furthermore, these devices are one of the biggest sellers in the automotive industry. But with all the different types, it can be hard to know which one is right for your project. We decided to look around to find the best multimeter on the market. Here is a list of some of the best multimeters currently available in the market.

Why should you buy a multimeter?

If you’ve ever experienced an electrical issue with a vehicle or at home, you know how hard it can be to deal with. And in most cases is can get pretty expensive to call in a pro.

Even more, whether you’re a professional electrician or just a person who likes DIY projects, this is a device that you need to have. Multimeter made a decade ago had just basic features, but now they are more accurate and precise registering data and faults with no problems at all.

Fluke 115 Compact True-RMS – The Best Multimeter For Accuracy

Our first choice is among the most popular on the market, for the simple reason that it is coming from one of most recognized multimeter brands, Fluke. Fluke has developed many models, but this specific one is the best for those learning how to handle a multimeter. It is easy to use and perfect both professionals too.

Although this model is higher priced, it is well worth the money. The device is extremely accurate due to the fact that it comes equipped with True-RMS technology. The meter allows you to test continuity, frequency, capacitance, and diode test.

As for the design on this one, it uses a black LCD screen with room for a display that shows the user the power and battery status. If you are working in areas with little to no light, Fluke has you secured there as well. This meter comes with an LED backlight, illuminating the screen.

Features

This meter offers users a wide range of features. Along with usual ability to measure ohms, amps, and volts, this digital multimeter has an option of measuring frequency, continuity and even perform a diode test. It can go to 10 amps and sustain an overload for up to 20 for 30 seconds without a problem. And the frequency range on it can go up to 100 kHz.

As far as safety, it is certified as a CAT III model so it’s able to sustain up to 600 volts. All inputs are safety certified as well.

Overall this one is a great pick both for professionals and beginners. It’s convenient and easy to use which is perfect for those who are just adapting to this device.

INNOVA 3320 Auto-Ranging – The Best Mulitmeter For The Money

Most electricians know that when it comes to getting the right multimeter, INNOVA is a great choice. Their models are among the top on the market and these devices are sold at an affordable price and excellent for home users as well as professionals.

In fact, weighing just 9.6 ounces this one is unbelievably powerful device, being able to offer both extreme accuracy and portability to any owner. It also comes with auto-ranging scales that set the range for you before the actual testing begins.

Additionally, it comes equipped with a large LCD screen that shows the data that is read along with the current settings and status of the device, such as battery life. There is also a soft blue backlight which makes it easy to read, even in places that are not lit.

Features

Simply flip on the main central switch and the device will start setting ranges and measurements in just a few seconds. Although the screen is crowded, everything is categorized so you will not have problems handling it.

As for resistance, it has a single-setting so users can measure in either alternative or direct current. If you’re worried about the safety of this meter, rest assured that it is UL certified both for accuracy and security. This device has standard functions and is powered by just one AA battery.

If you ask us, for the price you are getting this, this one is the meter to get.

Mastech MS8268 – The Best Mulitmeter For Functional Use

This meter is one of the best when it comes to balancing price and quality. And it’s developed by the well known Mastech brand.

Also, it’s not too large and multiple safety standards certify secure, basically leaving you worry-free while using it. The display is ergonomic and large enough to provide the user with readable data that shows four numerals at the time.

Features

All you is need to do is press one button and it will freeze the screen so you can save the results. It also has some other indicators that give the user the battery status and polarity.

As for control, the central switch is everything you need. It provides multiple measurement options. Also, it features an auto-off function so it shuts down to save battery life when it gets low. It contains both manual and auto-ranging function, with the latter being effective.

Also, t has been engineered to exceed standards of CAT II/III and IEC1010-1, making it safe for use. It’s powered by 2 AAA batteries and comes equipped with, so it can easily connect it to other devices without a problem.

Our opinion is, for that price, you cannot get much better than this. It has a variety of features and functions with a great price!

Fluke 87-V – The Best Multimeter On The Market

We started off this guide with one Fluke model and will end with another, as this one kicks it up a notch when it comes to multimeters.

By far this one is the most popular among the electricians and technicians. Although it comes with a high price tag, the quality is impressive. It also has a fantastic auto-range feature, but you can choose to manually set the device if you want.

Features

Two features separate this model from the rest. The first feature is that it beeps if you connect the input jack wrongly. This is crucial because it can happen without you noticing it and can cause you problems trying to use the meter.

Also, it measures 10 A without a problem and can even go up to 20 A for 30 seconds or less. This is something every professional needs, as their work often requires higher amp measurements. Also, both these features are what make it good for even a beginner to use the device correctly and safely.

Furthermore, this meter has been safety certified and can sustain up to 1000 V. Additional features include the fact that it can also measure frequency and continuity, among other standard measurements.

To conclude, this is the best pick if you are a professional electrician or technician and excellent for home users as well. The shear number of features and functions offered by this meter is not found in most other models!

We tried to supply you with a list of meters that are good models for professionals and beginners. This covers both those who are on a budget, but still want an excellent quality multimeter. It’s now time to go and get yourself one of these great meters!

Multimeter Buying Guide

Multimeter types:

There are two kinds of meters, analog and digital. Although analog is considered to be old technology, some still use it as those have much better readouts than their digital counterparts. Digital models do have graphs which try to act as readouts, but it’s not even close to the analog when taking into consideration the visibility and readability of the device.

Also, the digital multimeter is a more conventional pick. Digital has a much higher impedance output than the analog version and you need that if you want to measure any voltage.

Aside from that, the digital meter can read much more than juts amps, volts or ohms, which is especially useful if you are working with several devices at the same time. Also, the analog multimeters that are currently on the market are rare to find and some are pretty expensive and low quality. Few meters combine both the features of a digital and an analog model.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Multimeter:

Cost – When considering the cost, it depends on what do you need the multimeter for. If you are going to focus on home use, then you could probably settle for the ones with lower voltage. If you’re a professional however, you need one that can be calibrated to provide the most accurate results. So the price should be gauged according to these two criteria, how often you’re going to use it and what you need the meter to do.

Accuracy – This is probably the most important factor when it comes to differentiating between multimeters. You would like to have a high accuracy, even for DIY homeowners. Meaning that you are better off with getting the multimeter that can be calibrated to give you the most accurate results.

Design – You should be looking for a multimeter that does not have a problem fitting in your hand and also has a good finish. Other than that, look for silicone insulated probes instead of PVC ones. And the mode dials should be sharp, comfortable, and durable.

Safety – This one is again based on how often are you going to use this device and what type of job you’re going to be doing. If you’re testing more than 30 volts, you should be searching for those with most protective material surrounding the input and output slots. Also, look for the models that have internal blast shields.